Summer Literacy Options Abound

It's almost summer break, so it's definitely time to think about how to keep reading all summer long. All Maple Street students are signed up for the Kalamazoo Public Library summer reading program, "Build a Better World." Students are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes each day. There are several resources available to help families find books for their children this summer.

KPL provides access to digital resources via Overdrive through the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services. There are both books and audiobooks that KPL that patrons can access using their library card numbers and PIN numbers and download to a variety of devices.

KPS Library Services has created summer reading lists that will go home in each report card. Below are the middle school lists:

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade

Again this summer SYNC is offering free audiobook pairings for download all summer long. Each week there is a classic title with a young adult title that users can keep once downloaded using Overdrive.

Finally, our Teens Top Ten book club will continue at KPL this summer. We have been meeting all winter and spring at Maple Street and are now transitioning to the KPL Teen Services space at Central Library for the summer months. Upcoming meetings are June 19, July 10, July 24, and August 7, 4:30-5:30PM. Students may pick up pre-published books at any time and then read and review them. We will talk about what you have been reading at each meeting.

No matter where students choose to get the books they will enjoy this summer, we encourage everyone to read at least 20 minutes per day for their own enjoyment and relaxation, as well as to maintain the skills they have developed throughout the school year.